Gallery – Page 18 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 85

The writer wants us to pause and think about how God has restored us and has forgiven us of our sins. Pause, take a moment, and meditate on what God has done for you. As a Christian we have much to be thankful for; so, what are you thankful for in terms of what God has done for you?

Psalm 85

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What can be determined in context is that it was written after the Babylonian Captivity because the author refers to God’s wrath being removed (3), the desolation of the land (12), and the need for God to restore it for the people (13).

Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44). It is played on the Gittith. This psalm of national lament can be divided into three parts.

Verses 1-3-The writer is expressing his thanks to God for delivering them from the Babylonian Captivity and forgiving their sins.

Selah-The writer wants us to pause and think about how God has restored us and has forgiven us of our sins. Pause, take a moment, and meditate on what God has done for you. As a Christian we have much to be thankful for; so, what are you thankful for in terms of what God has done for you?

The writer then continues with what God has done in terms of showing His mercy by removing His discipline.

Verses 4-7-The writer knows the sins of the nation brought God’s discipline on them. He knows that until God restores them to their land and brings normalcy, the effects of God’s wrath are still on them. Until they are back in the land, until they are “revived” (given new life), until they have experienced God’s salvation, they still feel the effects of God’s discipline. He desires that God’s name be proclaimed because of what God has done (Habakkuk 3.2) not because of the sins of the people.

Verses 8-13-The anticipation of God’s answer is evident in verses 8-9. It is based on His Word (repentant people calling to Him) and His character. Isaiah 32.17 describes that closeness that righteousness and peace have with each other. There is no peace unless righteousness comes.

When we turn to God in repentance for our known sins, He restores right fellowship with Him. In doing this, He brings peace. As we dwell on what He has required, He is present, which is peace (Philippians 4.8-9).

Psalm 49

When the harp is laid down, we must ask ourselves the question that the psalmist and countless others have: Do we desire riches more than God? Do we desire luxury and ease more than character? If we do, we are headed for the grave and hell. If we do not, we will find God.

Psalm 49

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What is know is that it was written more as a sermon than a praise or a prayer. This psalm deals with the seeming inequities in the world in terms of monies and is similar yet more thorough than Psalm 37 and Psalm 73. Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44). According to the inscription, it was to be sung. This should remind us that we are to sing psalms, hymns, and teach one another with melodies (Colossians 3.15-17). This psalm is also quite similar to the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in form.

This sermon can be divided into an introduction (1-4), three main points (5-9, 10-12, and 13-15), and a conclusion (16-20).

Verses 1-4-The writer calls for all people to listen to his words. He allows us to see that he has pondered his words and meditated on them a great deal. He has done so enough that he has been able to set them to music. He has been able to provide a solution to an enigma that has plagued the godly for generations. He is going to shed light on the darkness of the understanding of God’s people. He begins his sermon with a pluck of the harp.

Verses 5-9-The writer tells us that wealth cannot save. This is the point of the message. It is also a matter of concern for Jesus. In Mark 10.23-24 and Matthew 16.24-27, He presents this truth to a perplexed group of disciples. We all will die, the rich and the poor, no one will live beyond the time given them by God.

Verses 10-12-These verses are reminiscent of Ecclesiastes as Solomon provides insight into death. All people will die. The fool and the wise, all men are mortal and all will perish like the animals. When we die, we will not be able to cling to our wealth. The grave becomes our home.

Verses 13-15-Jesus points the truth of verse 13 to his disciples as He taught them in Luke 12.20.

Selah -The writer wants us to pause and consider the truth of this and the previous verses. If we all perish, the rich and the poor, what good does it to envy the rich outside of temporary ease and luxury in this life?

The writer continues to describe what will happen to those who trust in wealth and those who trust in God (Matthew 6.24-34). He points out that death will consume those who trust in their riches and that God will ransom or resurrect those who trust in Him.

Selah -The writer wants us to pause and consider the truth of these two verses. It is here the doctrine of the resurrection is presented. It is not a well-known doctrine in the Old Testament. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection because it was not developed enough in the Torah for them to accept it. It is not full developed until Jesus is resurrected and Paul teaches it in 1 Corinthians 15. Depending on how you looked at the first pause above, this should be an eye-opener. The life we live on this earth is short and incomparable to the life we will live throughout eternity. If the momentary pleasures of this world are what you are seeking, you might just miss out on the eternal pleasures of the next world in God’s presence. If you seek God’s presence today, He may bless you with riches or not (see Matthew 6 above). But, He will bless you with eternity with Him. Then, these light and momentary afflictions we experience will seem trivial in light of what He has prepared for us (2 Corinthians 4.16-18).

Verses 16-20-The writer concludes his sermon with a reminder of all that was said. He wants us to ponder: Does it really matter if others become wealthy? When all has been said and done, will it matter that they had wealth for a moment in time? These verses should remind you of the passage from Luke (see above) and Ecclesiastes 3.19.

Psalm 84

Would you rather be in church than outside playing sports, watching sports, or making money? If so, you can understand the longings of the writer.

Psalm 84

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What is known is that it was written before the captivity because the author is in the Temple (verses 1-4, 10) and there is a king on the throne (verse 9). Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44). However, the Syriac version of this Psalm points to David as its author. It is also quite similar to Psalm 63, which is known to have been penned by David. If David did write this Psalm, it could have been written when he was exiled from Jerusalem by his son Absalom and it was his longing to return to Jerusalem to partake in the worship in the Temple. It is played on the Gittith.

This psalm of blessings can be divided into three parts of four verses each with a pause at the end of the first two stanzas.

Verses 1-4-The first blessing is for those who live in the Temple. The Korahites were the gatekeepers of the Temple. They would have resided in the Temple. The phrasing implies that even though they lived there, it would never be enough. They would always desire more opportunity to praise God in His Temple. The sparrows were known for building their nests around this area and would be found in the Temple too. If the sparrows built around God’s altar, it seems more appropriate for believers to do so.

Selah -The writer wants us to pause and consider the truth of this and the previous verses. Is it your desire to be in His presence all day long? Jesus tells us it is possible in John 4.23-24 and Matthew 28.18-20. Do you live life as a worship to Him (Romans 12.1-2).

Verses 5-8-The second blessing is for those who come to the Temple. It is not merely enough to go to the Temple (or attend church), it is necessary to trust in God in order to have strength. It is here that we are reminded of the truth given by Jesus in Matthew 16.24-27. If we seek Him, all else is cared for by Him.

The Valley of Baca is translated as Gehenna in the Targum, which is a ravine just outside of Jerusalem (Valley of Hinom-1 and Valley of Hinom-2). It is a desolate place and is referred to by Jesus as equal to Hell (Mark 9.42-48).

Selah-The writer wants us to pause and consider the truth of this and the previous verses. Is it your desire to be in His presence all day long to gain strength and blessings because you decided to be with Him? We are to do this even though life might be hard.

Verses 9-12-The third blessing is for those who trust in the Lord of the Temple. God is the protector, the shield to those who seek Him. When we seek Him, our longings are filled (verses 1-2 are fulfilled in verses 10-12).

Would you rather be in church than outside playing sports, watching sports, or making money? If so, you can understand the longings of the writer.

The psalm ends the way it began: O Lord of Hosts. YHWH.

Before you leave, listen to “Better is One Day” by Kutless. Or, “Better is One Day in Your Courts” by Chris Tomlin.

Psalm 45

What are we doing to make His name known throughout the world? It begins with us living our lives at home in such a way that our neighbors ask us about God. From there, His fame is spread through their testimony and ours.

Psalm 45

The origins of this psalm are unknown. What is known is that it was written for a royal wedding. The inscription informs us it is a love song, or a Wedding Song, set to the tune “Lilies.” This tune is mentioned in Psalm 69 (see our study) and Psalm 80. Again it is written by a Korahite (as mentioned in Psalm 44).

Two verses (6-7) are ascribed to Christ by the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 1.8-9). Because of this, some have suggested, this psalm was written for the sole purpose of presenting a bride to Christ. This goes beyond the scope of Scripture and is afforded no other passage in Scripture. However, we can see this is a royal psalm and, thus, can be applied to Christ as well as the king it is addressed to in the inscription.

It is broken into four parts:

Verse 1-The call to write a poem. This is inspiration. God gives this to each of us. It may not be a poem; it could be a design, a future, or even a character. God gifts us, impassions us, and has created for us a purpose that is beyond us (Ephesians 2.10).

Verses 2-9-The call to the king emphasizing his majesty. The Targumim, an ancient Aramaic translation of the Hebrew, translates verse two: “Thy beauty, O King Messiah, is greater than that of the children of men.” The messianic verses (verses 6-7), address the King as God while the one who speaks is “God, Your God.” This is a conversation being carried on by God the Father and God the Son. God has anointed the Son for a particular purpose and this is salvation. Historically, the verse could also be translated as “Your throne is a throne of God.” This would mean it was established in righteousness.

Verses 10-15-The call to the bride to marry the king. She is told to forget her past and her heritage. This would imply that she is a foreigner. It holds true for us today as seen in Luke 14.26.

Going along with the messianic interpretation, she would represent the Gentiles or the Church (Ephesians 5.22-33). The Church or the Bride will be given the beauty of the King and is commanded to worship or pay homage to Him. This is presented in Revelation 19.1-10 as the Wedding of the Lamb.

Verses 16-17-The call to establish a lasting dynasty is given to the children of the King (Christians). We are to make His name known by the way we reflect His life and mission (Matthew 5.13-16).

Take a moment to listen to “Shout Your Fame” by Hillsong.

Psalm 44

This psalm could be another post-exilic psalm, written in hopes of returning to Jerusalem. Or, it could be written during the time of David after a defeat by the enemies. I prefer the former. It is written by a priest from the tribe of Levi, a Korahite. These were the gatekeepers and singers in the Temple according to 1 Chronicles 9.19; 12.6; 26.1. It is also a psalm of national lament.

Psalm 44

This psalm can be divided into four parts:

Verses 1-8-The first eight verses describe life as it was when God’s power was manifest in the nation. This is describing the time of conquest of the land of Canaan. It was a glorious time in Israel’s past. The psalmist is calling the people to remember what God has done. But, he is also, calling God to remember His glory during that time as-well.

Selah-We are called to pause here. What is it that you can recall about God’s activity in your life? How did He save you? From what has He delivered you? To what has He called you? How committed to Him are you? Read verse eight. Have you boasted of Him to others lately? Have you thanked Him for who He is? Notice it is not for what He has done but for who He is.

Verses 9-16-These verses rehearse Ezekiel 20. God warned the people not to turn to the left nor to the right but to walk in the path that He set for them. They turned from Him. He disciplined them.

Verses 17-22-The psalmist knows that God sees into their hearts (Jeremiah 17.1-18). And, still, they do not understand why God has disciplined them. It is a mystery to them. Paul quotes verse 22 in Romans 8.36.

Verses 23-26-They call out to God based on His mercy and love not on what they have done.

In what area of your life are you turning away from God’s path? Have you considered the consequences of the actions you are taking or are pondering taking?

Psalm 43

When God acts for us, do we communicate who He is and what He has done for us to those in our area of influence? Are we so committed to Him that we broadcast His glories to those around us? We see in this Psalm that the personal worship must become corporate or else there is still despair. Are you living your life in front of others in such a way that they see your worship of God and you see their worship of God (living life for Him)?

Psalm 43

This psalm appears to have been written during the time 1 Chronicles was written. It is from the perspective of someone in exile desiring to return to Zion (Jerusalem). Some have seen this as a look at the remnant of Israel during the Tribulation Period found in Revelation with the antichrist deceiving them (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997).

The Septuagint combines this psalm with Psalm 42. The refrain of verses gives credibility for this.

Verses 1-2-The Psalmist begins his plea to God for help with terms used in court. He asks God to contend or argue his case and to defend him before the court. He pleads for God to do what God does, be just, be true, and bring salvation. The Psalmist realizes that there is no hope outside of God and that in God is deliverance.

Verses 3-4-The Psalmist brings out the truth that is missing those in from verses one and two. He is light not darkness or oppression, He is truth not deceit, He leads to life not destruction. The Psalmist proclaims his intent based on the activity of God in his life. The natural progression of faith is culminated in worship of God whether in music, words, life, voice, or whatever you have that can proclaim His worth (1 Corinthians 10.31).

Verse 5-This Psalm ends where the previous Psalm ends (Psalm 42.5, 11). When our hope is placed in God alone, we have no need for depression, darkness, doom, or deception. When our hope is in Him, we have praise, light, life, and truth. If you noticed, the Psalmist asked three times “Why are you down?” (once in Psalm 42 and twice in Psalm 43). He answers with hope. It is the assurance that God is in control of all things that lead us out of darkness and into light.

1 Chronicles 1

Most people discount genealogies. Second Timothy 3.16-17 informs us that all Scripture, genealogies included, are inspired by God and profitable for helping us live our lives by faith. Which means passages like this are useful for teaching us and increasing our faith too.

1 Chronicles 1 (cf. various passages from Genesis and the New Testament usage in Luke 3.34-38).

The first section begins with Adam and ends with Abraham. Looking at the time-line from Genesis 5 we see the span of time from Adam to Noah was close to nineteen hundred years. From Noah to Abraham about another two-thousand years. This first twenty-seven verses of chapter one cover close to four-thousand years.

Verse four contains Shem who is mentioned in verse twenty-four. The people in-between are historical, Shem is central for he links Adam with Abraham. Abraham’s son Israel is mentioned in verse twenty-eight and again in chapter two verse one. The people in-between are historical, and Israel links Abraham with David.

However we read this chapter and the following eight, we need to realize the pain that Ezra, the author of this post-exilic book, went through to trace the lineage in Genesis and other books to link Adam with Abraham and Abraham with David. From David we can link Christ as Luke shows us.

This needs more research and it will be done at a later time. Check the links above.

Psalm 21

Are you praising God for your current circumstances in such a way that those around you desire to join in with your praise?

Psalm 21

Verses 1-2-David is praising God for granting him the desires of his heart. David recognizes that although he is king, there is One still over him.

Selah-What are your desires? If God were to grant you the desires of your heart, what would they be? Have you made them known to Him? Would He approve?

Verses 3-7-David lists why he rejoices in and praises God. God has blessed him with his position in life and has allowed him to enter into the presence of God.

Verses 8-12-David recognizes that all the enemies of God are also his enemies. Do we treat life like this? How often do you consider your sin as God’s enemy? How about the activities your people around you engage in, are they working for or against God?

Verse 13-David ends as he began. This time he invites all those who heard his praise to rejoice in God with him.

Some have connected this psalm with Psalm 20 because of the similarities between 20.4 and 21.1. Some see chapter twenty as a prayer for victory and chapter 21 as the answer to that prayer. It sounds plausible but not necessary.

Are you praising God for your current circumstances in such a way that those around you desire to join in with your praise?

Psalm 19

Do you see God’s work in creation (1-6), through His Word (7-11), and in your life (12-14)? This is where He is at work. Take time today to notice His work in your world, in your heart.

Psalm 19

This is a creation Psalm. It speaks of God’s majesty in creation and how He created it to show His majesty and glory. Many have suggested that if there is a God who created all this, why did He create the Universe to be so huge for so puny a creation as man. Some have answered this question by saying that God created man an inquisitive creature and that God created this universe for man’s exploration. A better response would be that the universe is not created for man to explore, although he can, does, and should, but that it was created to display the majesty of God per this Psalm. This would explain why it is so huge and complex.

Verses 1-4-David is expressing how creation shouts the glory of God (cf. Romans 1.19-20 and 10.18). This is called general revelation. Here God makes known His ways to all mankind. Many have taken this verse and attempted to show how the stars proclaim God’s glory. If you were to look at the original constellations, it would go from the Virgin to the Lion (Virgo to Leo), which shows the first coming of Christ in the virgin birth all the way to the second coming of Christ in power to rule. How do you see it?

Verses 5-6-When all the world would say the earth was flat, these verses proclaim it was round (cf. Ecclesiastes 1.5)

Verses 7-10-The heart of this chapter comes to the front, not in creation but in the Word of God. This is special revelation where God makes His will known to those who submit to Him and His Word. Each stanza in this poem refers to the same concept: God’s Word is what we need to live this life that He created us to live. It is His Word that gives us direction, wisdom, understanding, guidance in righteousness, and it is to be desired above life itself.

Verses 11-13-David, as Paul would later state in Romans 6.12-14, tells us our reward is found in keeping God’s Word. In so doing we will be blameless in our walk. No one will be able to accuse of wrong doing and sin will not be our master. There are two types of sinning mentioned here. One is the sin of ignorance. Even though we don’t know it is sin, if we commit it, it is still sin. Second is the sin of willful defiance. This is where we know it is wrong and still choose to do it. There is a third, not mentioned here, and it is when we know what we should do but refuse to do it (James 4.17). Which of these is your greatest struggle?

Verse 14-The entire purpose for having this special revelation is for us to meditate on it day and night. Meditation means for us to study all day long. To chew the cud as a cow would. We read a portion of Scripture, contemplate it, later on reconsider it, and still later consider it. It becomes a daylong process. When our mind is on His Word all day, that word will dominate our thinking, our words, and our actions. Are you meditating on God’s Word or merely reading it? Think about 2 Timothy 2.15-26 in its entirety. When our focus is on His Word we escape the schemes of Satan.

Hebrews 1.1-4 provides a summary of this Psalm.

Do you see God’s work in creation (1-6), through His Word (7-11), and in your life (12-14)? This is where He is at work. Take time today to notice His work in your world, in your heart.

If you have time today, about 45 minutes, watch Indescribable by Louie Giglio.

Psalm 16

Where have you been trying to find meaning? Is it in a person, an object, an activity? If it is not God, then you will fail to find meaning, purpose, in this life.

Psalm 16

A Miktam is a Hebrew word meaning “writing” or “psalm” and could mean that it is an epigrammatic poem or atonement Psalm.

Verses 1-2-David begins where we should begin. He realized that apart from God, we have no goodness. As mentioned in Psalm 14, there is none good except God. When we realize this, we will come to Him more often out of need and desire.

Verse 3-David understands the way of godliness is found in the company we keep (1 Corinthians 15.33). We may believe that God is our Saviour and be in right relationship with Him. However, our daily fellowship with Him can be determined by whom we allow in our circle of friends. Consider your friends. Are they bringing you closer to God or are they undermining what God wants to do in your life? Your friends are either helping to purify you or pollute you. Only one is possible. Read 1 John 1.1-4 for insight into fellowship with God.

Verse 4-This verse furthers the concept found in verse three. Those involved in syncretism will not prosper (1 Timothy 6.10). Does David imply that we should not even pray for them? Psalm 106.37-38 sheds light on this verse and what these people were doing.

Verses 5-6-David is reflecting on the good that God has done for him, even in dire circumstances. He knows that it is only in God that we have meaning and purpose in this life.

Verses 7-10-David is writing of God’s blessings on him and how he can rest secure in the hands of the almighty God. God does not allow His people to go to Hell (Sheol). Peter ascribes these verses to Jesus (Acts 2.25-32). That is that God did not keep His Son in Hell but resurrected Him from the dead. Paul quotes this verse when preaching in Antioch as applying to Jesus (Acts 13.35). This is our hope and our peace (1 Peter 1.3 and Hebrews 13.20). This also makes this a Messianic Psalm. These verses are fulfilled in Mark 16.6-7 when Jesus was resurrected.

Verse 11-It is God alone who is good (verse 1) and from Him alone we find the path we are to walk on (Proverbs 3.5-6), or our purpose in life. It is only as we come before Him in prayer, Bible study, song, and fellowship (all of which are worship), that we find our greatest pleasures in life.

Where have you been trying to find meaning? Is it in a person, an object, an activity? If it is not God, then you will fail to find meaning, purpose, in this life.